Psalms 145:3
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
Psalms 145:3
Verse 3 declares, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” This line escalates praise from personal devotion to cosmic scale. The phrase “great is the LORD” declares His supreme majesty, sovereignty, and power. The second clause, “greatly to be praised,” emphasizes extraordinary worthiness of worship. The final clause, “his greatness is unsearchable,” acknowledges the infinite depth of God’s ways, attributes, and works—beyond human comprehension. In the context of Psalm 145, this sets the tone for a sweeping psalm of praise that surveys God’s acts and character. The idea of God’s greatness being inexhaustible invites humility in worship: we cannot fully grasp all that God is, but we can continually marvel and respond with gratitude.
This verse anchors a central theological theme: divine transcendence paired with accessible relationship. God’s greatness invites awe, humility, and ongoing worship. It also raises questions about human comprehension, prompting reliance on revelation—Scripture, history of salvation, and personal encounter—to grow in knowledge. The doctrine of God’s unsearchable greatness cushions believers from both spiritual pride and fatalism: we cannot exhaust God’s being, yet God desires to be known and worshiped. Theologically, it affirms a robust monotheism while inviting ongoing mystery. It also undergirds the rest of the psalm’s praise, encouraging a posture of continual admiration that spills into everyday life.
Let awe lead action. When you encounter nature’s majesty, a moral dilemma, or a moment of mercy, respond with praise and wonder. Practice humility by admitting what you do not know about God, while continuing to seek Him in Scripture, prayer, and community. In teaching children or peers, model that not all questions have instant answers and that mystery can deepen faith. Use this verse to counter arrogance in discussions about faith; promote curiosity, listening, and learning. In planning life—career, finances, or family—recognize that God’s greatness invites dependence and exploration rather than control. Let your life reflect a posture of reverent curiosity and worshipful pursuit of God’s greatness.
Cross-References: Job 26:14; Isaiah 40:28–31; Psalm 86:10; Romans 11:33–36; 1 Timothy 6:15–16